
Vilification on the grounds of religion is now illegal and in serious cases could result in a criminal conviction with a fine of up to $7500, under laws passed by the ACT parliament.
Both Labor and Liberal supported the move put by the Greens Shane Rattenbury, who said the display of hatred, intolerance and offensive behaviour towards Muslims was one of the biggest intolerance issues in Australia today.
Source: Canberra Times

Religious schools and bodies could soon find it harder to discriminate against employees because of their sexuality or faith.
The Andrews government's revamp of Victorian equal opportunity laws has been condemned as "anti-religious" by faith-based groups, who say it threatens their right to freedom of religion.
Source: The Age

A group of Muslim boys and girls have entered a treasured, and at times deeply eccentric, Australian institution by joining the Cub Scouts. But Rasha Ahmed said she signed her three sons up to Australia's first all Islamic Cub pack, attached to the Australian International Academy, a Muslim school in Coburg, for the discipline and values, as well as the fun, offered by the Scouting movement.
At an investiture ceremony on Tuesday in the school hall, state Scouting commissioners presented 14 children aged eight to 10, including five girls, with their certificates and badges and handed the pack's inaugural flag to the "Akela", or leader, Academy teacher Carlo Belfiore.
Source: The Age

A vast collection of early photographs of Jerusalem and the Holy Land has been sold for almost £1 MILLION in one of the 'most memorable' sales of travel images.
The stunning collection, which is made up of more than 1,000 black and white images, date back as far as 1840 when photography was still in its infancy.
It consisted of some of Jerusalem's most historic landmarks including Mount Zion, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jewish cemetery.
Source: Daily Mail Australia

The Uniting Church in Australia invites you to get involved in Interfaith September in any way that suits you.
You may follow the worship resource each week, theme a sermon, use a suggested hymn or host an event. You may choose another time of year that is more suitable. It is up to you.
Source: assembly.uca.org.au

“Institutions that represent government, should represent the people they serve.”
Muslim women serving the national police forces of Scotland and Canada can now wear a hijab as part of their officer uniform.
Source: Facebook

People from all faiths, backgrounds and traditions have come together as a show of solidarity at a multifaith service at the Anglican Parish of Gosford.
The service was led by Anglican Archdeacon Rod Bower. Guests included Grand Mufti of Australia Dr Ibrahim Mohammed, local Buddhist leader Gen Kelsang Dawa and Newcastle Anglican Bishop Greg Thompson.
Source: The Daily Telegraph

Nuns frolicking on the beach have become the symbol of protest against a ban on women wearing body-covering burkini swimsuits in French towns.
It comes as French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve warns against stigmatising Muslims, as a furore over the ban grew with the emergence of pictures showing police surrounding a veiled woman on a beach.
Source: ABC
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